There is nothing that makes a home feel cozier in the winter than a fireplace. All year round a fireplace adds beauty, dimension and a focal point to the room. Most people, especially this time of year, understand the value
Updating your old furnace will pay you back in savings
If your furnace looks like this, it may be time to consider an upgrade. Annie V. Schwemmer Heating and cooling account for about 56 percent of the energy used in a typical U.S. home, making it the largest energy expense
Renovation Solutions: Sealing drafts can save a bundle on energy costs
With all the joys of a Utah winter, there is a lot to be happy about. A through-the-roof heating bill is not one of them. When contemplating any project, begin by analyzing your home in terms of what is not
Renovation Solutions: Changing ceiling gives feeling of more space in your home
When designing a room, don’t forget to look up. The tray ceiling in this master bedroom makes the room feel more spacious while adding drama to the room. (David T. Price) The ceiling represents a substantial portion of the finished
Renovation Solutions: Be prepared for remodeling ‘unknowns’
One of the common challenges in remodeling is to control the mentality of adding projects in the “while we are at it” category. These additions can quickly add up and scuttle a project budget. On the other hand, there is
Renovation Solutions: Survival tips for living while remodeling
Last week we introduced you to the Smiths, a family of eight that just survived a fairly extensive renovation while living in their split-level home throughout the construction process. Their remodel included an addition of 400 square feet to both
Renovation Solutions: Split-level home updated for a more gathering space
When the Smith’s bought their home in 1995, they had three children and one on the way. They loved the neighborhood and liked the house. It was in fairly good condition, though it had not been updated since it was
Insulation will lower heating bills
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon The weather is getting colder, but saving on the heating bill this winter shouldn’t mean you have to cuddle under four blankets to stay warm. If your heating bill is through the roof, then
Renovation Solutions: Frankenhouses: horrifying home remodels
Happy Halloween! Multiple additions can create a disjointed feeling and negatively impact curb appeal. Picasa, Annie V. Schwemmer In honor of this ghoulish holiday, we want to tell a scary story: “The Story of the Frankenhouses.” Frankenhouses are homes that
Renovation Solutions: Time for fall cleaning, home maintenance
The term “Spring Cleaning” has become somewhat of a deep cleaning cliché. And it is rightfully named since most deep cleaning is tackled in the spring. However, there is an important Fall counterpart to cleaning that is often overlooked. Fall
Renovation Solutions: Tips for saving money when remodeling
Ah, a budget. Most of us are all too familiar with living on a budget, especially these days. While this client did not have the budget for a large master suite addition, an architect was able to help them gain
Renovation Solutions: Remember to address air-quality issues inside your home
EnergyStar has become a household term. Everyone knows that EnergyStar translates as energy efficient products or homes. Well, the EPA has taken the EnergyStar labeling program for homes a step further into the green. The EPA has developed a sister
Renovation Solutions: Remodeling? Here are some survival tips
“Renovating is an intense personal experience shared with large numbers of total strangers — not much different than surviving a plane crash.” — An anonymous homeowner. Contractors Jason Runolfson, left, and Jeremy Jackson of Jackson & LeRoy Remodeling spend
Renovation Solutions: What to do before remodeling a condo
Being a condo owner often feels like living in real estate purgatory. On one hand, you’re an owner. The property is in your name, you are responsible for it, pay taxes on it, and have a say on what goes
Renovation Solutions: Adding an interior design pro to your team has its benefits
A home is a very complex concept, both psychologically and physically. Psychologically, “home” represents such ideas as shelter, gathering and safety. Physically, the whole is the sum of many diverse elements constituting both the interior and exterior of the structure.
Renovation Solutions: Creating appealing interior views essential to home design
This client used art and furniture placement to create a pleasant interior view at the end of a hallway. -Annie Schwemmer Last week we discussed the importance of what views you see looking out from the inside of your house.
Renovation Solutions: Capitalize on views by updating windows
Everyone knows that curb appeal, or what you experience as you look at a house from the outside, is an important aspect of a home’s architecture. (See the past few columns for ideas about enhancing exterior curb appeal.) These windows
Renovation Solutions: Adding curb appeal with exterior upgrades
One of the common requests we get these days is for exterior updates. Sometimes the interior space is working but the exterior lacks curb appeal. Ultimately, we have found clients who want an exterior update are just trying to love
Renovation Solutions: Remodeling on the rise
With the housing market still technically in the doldrums, it is nice to hear some positive housing news. It has been recently reported by BuildFax.com that home remodeling hit its highest level since May 2004, the year the tracking service
Renovation Solutions: Bungalow turned loft: Homeowner wouldn’t change a thing
For this week’s column, we wanted to revisit one of our most unique remodeling projects: the bungalow/loft. While we know that such a contemporary style may not be everyone’s cup of tea, this project shows how bold and creative you
Renovation Solutions: Make sure a remodel adds value to your home
Many homeowners wonder if a home remodeling project could possibly have a negative effect on the resale value of their home or if they will recoup their investment when it comes time to sell. This family’s kitchen was opened to
Renovation Solutions: Deciding to remodel or move
It happens suddenly, over a cup of coffee and the morning newspaper, or perhaps as you make your way across the obstacle course of clutter that was once your living room. Your house doesn’t fit your needs, and you can’t
Renovation Solutions: Tips on designing an outdoor kitchen
This patio project boosted the outdoor cooking space with a custom built-in barbecue. Spring is finally here, just in time for Father’s Day. We can almost hear the steaks sizzling! In honor of the sun and national grilling day (i.e.
Architects bring added value to project
Most people have never worked with an architect before. They see them on TV carrying around a set of plans or sitting at a drafting table, but they don’t really know what architects do or what added value they can
Renovation Solutions: Avoid the remodeling project snowball
One of the most common fears of remodeling is a project snowballing out of control. Although this home underwent a major remodel, this particular room only received new paint, hardwood floors, baseboards, can lights and a fireplace insert. Thanks to
Renovation Solutions: New deck adds value
With the weather we’ve had lately, you may doubt if spring will ever come. But even if we skip spring altogether this year, summer will eventually appear. So, rain or not, it is time to start planning for a great
Renovation Solutions: Renovation Solutions: Remodel project moves into construction phase
One of the most exciting and traumatic times of a remodeling project is when construction finally begins, especially if you are tearing off a roof. In March, we introduced you to the design phase of the Caldwell project. Under construction
Renovation Solutions: The Cape Cod and the California Ranch
The Cape Cod is typically seen as a cozy cottage-style home. -Annie Schwemmer Understanding the history, style and architecture of your home — and the other homes in your neighborhood — is crucial in designing an addition or renovation. Ignore
Renovation Solutions: Challenges of remodeling Tudors and craftsman bungalows
Several predominant home styles have evolved over the past century in the U.S. In their purest form, Tudors feel like miniature castles with towers, dormers and steeply pitched roofs. You’ve seen them as you’ve driven the streets of Salt Lake
Renovation Solutions: Planning ahead will save money on your remodel
In a recent market analysis, MetroMonitor ranked Salt Lake City and Ogden among the 20 strongest markets in the U.S. primed for an economic recovery. (MetroMonitor tracks the economic recession and recovery in America’s 100 largest Metropolitan Areas.) There is
Renovation Solutions: Want to remodel? Here’s what to do before you get started
If you are considering a home remodel, the planning phase is critical. We have put together a list of some of the basic points to consider as you begin your remodeling project. If you are considering a home remodel, the
Renovation Solutions: Add home improvements to your spring cleaning
When spring cleaning isn’t enough, there is always spring remodeling. Sprucing up and refinishing your deck is a great way to welcome spring’s warmer weather. David T. Price The harsh winter weather can be hard on the exterior of
Renovation Solutions: Welcome change in seasons with some spring cleaning
Sunday marked the official first day of spring, so it is now officially time to talk about a home improvement project everyone can do: spring cleaning. Start your spring cleaning by getting rid of clutter. Throw out anything that is
Renovation Solutions: Trim work adds beauty and sense of purpose to a room
At Renovation Design Group, we adopt the same theory promoted by Architect Sarah Susanka: “Build better, not bigger.” Susanka’s “Not So Big” concept doesn’t necessarily mean living in small houses, just in houses with the space that you need and
Renovation Solutions: East Millcreek remodel aims for rustic, Southwestern look
Meet Bruce and Nicole Caldwell. The Caldwells are in the middle of a remodeling project to transform their 1950s East Millcreek ranch from its traditional style to a rustic, Southwestern style all their own. Usually, we feature clients in this
Renovation Solutions: You, too, can now live the ‘Jetsons’ lifestyle
If you have trouble getting a DVD to play or can only use the power, volume, and channel controls on your remote control, you may be amazed and/or terrified at the level of sophistication technology has reached relative to the
Renovation Solutions: Analyze your house and your needs before you remodel
As with any decision, many factors affect the decision to remodel. It is not a decision to be taken lightly. You will likely be spending a significant amount of money, as well as investing time and emotional effort into the
Renovation Solutions: Building a remodeling team alleviates horror stories
Most of our clients come into our office with a little remodeling anxiety. It usually stems from the horror stories they have heard from friends and neighbors who remodeled their homes on their own, without an architect, and maybe even